Aug 2017 – Part -1

General Awareness Aug 2017 – Part -1

Answer the following question by choosing the best option from the choices given.

1. In July of 2017, the Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) has been declared as the world’s _____ green metro after it added a green certification for all its major buildings and installations. 1: first 4: fourth 2: second 5: None of the given 3: third Ans: 1 Solution: Apart from depots and sub stations, DMRC was also awarded the platinum rating for its 10 residential colonies for adherence to green building norms by the IGBC. The declaration was made during National Conference on Green Metro Systems by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). In 2008, DMRC became the first railway project in the world to be registered by the United Nations under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). In 2015, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) registered DMRC as the world’s first transport sector project under the Program of Activities (PoA).

2. In July of 2017, nation X has defeated Kazakhstan to win the FIBA Women's Asia Cup’s Division B title. Identify X. 1: Indonesia 4: Japan 2: India 5: Sri Lanka 3: China Ans: 2 Solution: The final was held at the Kanteerava Indoor stadium in Bengaluru. On the other hand, Japan defeated Australia in the Division A summit clash. The FIBA Women's Asia Cup is an international basketball tournament for women's national team from FIBA Asia and FIBA Oceania. Before 2017, it was known as the FIBA Asia Women's Championship. The 2017 FIBA Women's Asia Cup was the qualifying tournament for FIBA Asia at the 2018 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Spain.

3. Identify the United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons. 1: 3rd August 4: 4th June 2: 31st July 5: 6th September 3: 30th July Ans: 3 Solution: This year, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) selected “Act to Protect and Assist Trafficked Persons” as the focus of the Day. The theme emphasizes one of the most pressing issues of the large mixed migration movements of refugees and migrants. The theme puts focus on the significant impact of conflict and natural disasters, as well as the resultant, multiple risks of human trafficking that many people face. In addition, it addresses the key issue concerning trafficking responses: that most people are never identified as trafficking victims and therefore cannot access most of the assistance or protection provided.

4. In July of 2017, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has entered into N Unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (UAPAs) with Indian taxpayers. What is the value of N? 1: 6 4: 9 2: 7 5: 4 3: 8 Ans: 4 Solution: With this, total number of APAs signed till date stands at 171 (Bilateral-12 and Unilateral-159). The nine APAs signed pertain to diverse sectors of the economy including Oil & Gas exploration, education, banking, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and IT. They also cover international transactions and provision of software development services, ITES, engineering design services, distribution, contract manufacturing, etc. The APA Scheme was introduced in the Income-tax (IT) Act. It endeavours to provide certainty to taxpayers in the domain of transfer pricing by specifying the methods of pricing and determining the Arm’s Length Price of international transactions in advance. It aims to strengthen the Government’s commitment to foster a non- adversarial tax regime.

5. In July of 2017, the Executive Committee of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in its 4th meeting has approved seven projects. Is sewage infrastructure a part of these projects? 1: No 4: Probably Yes 2: Meeting minutes still not in public 5: Yes 3: Probably No Ans: 5

Solution: The focus areas are sewage infrastructure, ghat development and research. Three projects each were approved in sewage sector in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Central Government will provide operation and maintenance cost for 15 years to all these six projects along with 100% central assistance. Also, a research study to understand the non-putrefying properties of river Ganga in both water and sediment was also approved. The study will be an extension of a research carried out by National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to identify the special properties of river’s waters. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) NMCG is the implementation wing of National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga (referred as National Ganga Council). It was established in 2011 as a registered society under Societies Registration Act, 1860. It has a two tier management structure and comprises of Governing Council and Executive Committee. Both of them are headed by Director General (DG), NMCG.

6. In July of 2017, the scientists from the Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram have developed an entity that can suck up oil and congeal it. What is this called as? 1: gelator 4: concealer 2: congealer 5: oiler 3: gelat Ans: 1 Solution: The gelator is hydrophobic material that has property of oleilophilic (oil-loving) and takes up oil when it comes in contact with it. It can be used to recover marine oil spills with a simple, efficient and cost- effective method. The gelator is developed using a cheap raw material mannitol and cellulose pulp through a one-step process. In this process the mannitol gets adsorbed on the cellulose fibre through hydrogen bonding. The adsorption process changes the cellulose matrix from being very hydrophilic (water-loving) to hydrophobic (water repelling). The property of gelator to self-assemble to form micro fibres makes congealing of oil possible and the oil loses its fluidity and gets trapped within the entangled fibrous network to form a rigid gel. Gelation essentially turns the liquid oil into semi-solid and this allows congealed oil to be simply scooped out using a scoop or a sieve.

7. At the Lagos International 2017, C Rahul Yadav clinched the men’s singles title while Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy claimed the men’s doubles title. What is the game here? 1: Tennis 4: Shuttle 2: Badminton 5: Table Tennis 3: Cricket Ans: 2

Solution: In a day for India at the Lagos International challenge in Nigeria, C Rahul Yadav clinched the men’s singles title while Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy claimed the men’s doubles title. India’s Mugdho Agrey finished as runners-up in women’s singles. Rahul surpassed another Indian player Karan Rajan Rajarajan in the final clash to lay claim to the title at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium. The Lagos International also known as Lagos International Badminton Classics is an annual open international badminton tournament held in Lagos, Nigeria. This tournament established since 2014, organized by the Lagos State Badminton Association (LSBA) and Badminton Federation of Nigeria.

8. In July of 2017, the ‘SAARC Artists Camp and Exhibition of Paintings 2017’ has been scheduled to be held in: 1: Dhaka 4: Thimpu 2: New Delhi 5: Beijing 3: Kathmandu Ans: 3 Solution: As many as 40 artists from India Maldives, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan and Sir Lanka participated in the event. Kishani Jayasinghe - Wijayasekara, deputy director of programs at SAARC Culture Center, Sri Lanka informed, “This year, the theme of the camp and exhibition is ‘Scared Sites and Beauty of Nature’ and the setting of Gokarna Forest Resort will definitely inspire the artists.” The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is the regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of nations in South Asia. Its member states include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

9. In July of 2017, Caeleb Dressel won his seventh gold medal of the world championships in swimming and thus joined player X to hold this kind of a distinct record. Identify X. 1: Ryan Lochete 4: Michael Phelps 2: Katie ledecky 5: Ryan Gosling 3: Nathan Adrian Ans: 4 Solution: A day after becoming the first swimmer to win three golds in one night at a major international meet, Dressel joined Phelps in another elite club with seven golds at swimming’s second-biggest competition after the Olympics. Phelps had seven victories at the 2007 worlds — a prelude to his unprecedented eight golds the following year at the Beijing Olympics, although Phelps competed in an era before mixed gender relays. Dressel matched the feat along the banks of the Danube, looking like America’s next great swimming star. The 20- year-old University of Florida student won three individual golds and was part of four winning relay teams.

10. In July of 2017, Canara Bank has launched its first “Digital Banking Branch” in Bengaluru. What is this called as? 1: CANARA 4: DIGICAN 2: KINERA 5: CANDI 3: CANDIG Ans: 5 Solution: Titled “CANDI”, the branch will provide an end-to-end digital experience to customers. The bank, as part of the run-up to its digital foray, has introduced customer-friendly mobile apps which help customers get most of the information related to their accounts from the app without the need to visit the branch. The most attractive feature of the Digital Branch is a humanoid robot that addresses basic queries of customers on banking products and services. This is a first-of-its kind initiative by a public sector bank in the country. The tools and devices include Customer On-Board Application which facilitates instant opening of Savings Bank account by the customer himself using fingerprint/ IRIS authentication, printing of personalised debit card, cheque book, mobile/ Internet banking registration, generation of e-Passheet and issuance of virtual welcome kit.

11. In July of 2017, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has informed that supervisory colleges have been setup for the N Scheduled Commercial Banks which have sizeable international presence. What is the value of N? 1: 6 4: 9 2: 7 5: 10 3: 8 Ans: 1 Solution: The six Scheduled Commercial Banks are State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Axis Bank and Punjab National Bank. The objectives of the colleges are to enhance information exchange and cooperation among supervisors, to improve understanding of the risk profile of the banking group and thereby facilitate more effective supervision of internationally active banks.

12. In July of 2017, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released operational guidelines for: 1: Family Rearing 4: Children Care 2: Family Participatory Care 5: Children Health 3: Children Nutrition Ans: 2

Solution: Planning and Implementation of Family Participatory Care (FPC). These guidelines are aimed at improving newborn health. The guidelines will serve as a guiding document for those intending to introduce FPC in their facility as an integral part of facility based newborn care. It also provides details of infrastructure, training, role of health care providers and steps in the operationalization of FPC in the newborn care unit.

13. In July of 2017, Indian boxers have bagged a total of N medals at the 48th Grand Prix in Czech Republic tournament. What is the value of N? 1: 5 4: 9 2: 6 5: 10 3: 8 Ans: 3 Solution: In the tournament out of the eight medals won by India, five were gold medals. The three other medals are two silver and one bronze. The five gold medals for India were bagged by world championships bronze-medalist Shiva Thapa (60kg), former Commonwealth Games gold-medalist Manoj Kumar (69kg), Amit Phangal, Gaurav Bidhuri (52kg) and Satish Kumar (+91kg). The two boxers who finished with silver medals were Kavinder Bisht in the 52kg category and Manish Panwar in the 81kg category. Sumit Sangwan has awarded bronze medal at 91 kg. Shiva who recently won a silver medal at the Asian Championships, also bagged a victory by 5-0 over Slovakia’s Filip Meszaros.

14. In July of 2017, the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge has opened in: 1: China 4: Germany 2: India 5: Switzerland 3: Japan Ans: 5 Solution: Spanning an awesome 1621 feet and rising as high as 279 feet, the newly opened Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge in Switzerland has broken the record for the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, according to Zermatt Tourism. The bridge offers hikers views of the Matterhorn, Weisshorn and Bernese Alps. The bridge spans the valley between the towns of Zermatt and Grächen. According to Edith Zweifel, a spokesperson for the travel board, it cuts the journey across the valley from three to four hours to a mere 10 minutes. (The total journey time between Zermatt and Grächen is about two days.)

15. In August of 2017, Arvind Panagariya, the Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog announced his resignation from the post. What is his next assignment? 1: academics 4: United Nations Economy Project 2: politics 5: None of the below 3: rural empowerment Ans: 1 Solution: Panagariya revealed that he would be returning to the field of academics in the US. His last working day in office would be 31 August 2017. Panagariya was the first one to hold the post of Vice- Chairman in Niti Aayog. He was appointed to the position in January 2015. Prior to taking up his position at Niti Aayog, he was working as a professor of economics at the Columbia University and as a Chief Economist at the Asian Development Bank. He has also served as the professor of economics and co-director at the Centre for International Economics, the University of Maryland at College Park. NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog came into effect on 1 January 2015. It was established by the BJP government, replacing the 65-year-old Planning Commission. The main aim behind the body’s creation was to foster involvement and participation in the economy.

16. In August of 2017, India and nation X have signed a bilateral agreement for the transfer of sentenced persons. Identify X. 1: Pakistan 4: US 2: Somalia 5: UK 3: Sri Lanka Ans: 2 Solution: The move is step forward in deepening humanitarian cooperation between the two nations. Signing the agreement with Somalia will facilitate the Indian prisoners imprisoned in Somalia or vice-versa to be near to their families, for serving remaining part of their sentence. The step will also facilitate their social rehabilitation. The agreement was signed between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia Yusuf Garaad Omar.

17. In July of 2017, the Supreme Court of India has announced a ban on the use of N metals in firecrackers as these metals are harmful for the environment. What is the value of N? 1: 1 4: 4 2: 2 5: 5 3: 3 Ans: 5

Solution: N is 5 and includes lithium, mercury, arsenic, antimony and lead. The decision was taken by a bench of justices headed by Justice Madan B Lokur who cited air pollution as one of the main reasons behind the move. The order came after the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Member Secretary informed the apex court that standards on air pollution caused by the bursting of firecrackers are yet to be laid down and the exercise would be completed by 15 September, 2017.

18. In August of 2017, who has been appointed as the Chief of the Indian Army's Eastern Command? 1: Lt General Shiva Rama Iyer 4: Lt General Sambhavit Ardhar 2: Lt General Shiyander Sinha 5: Lt General Bhim Singh Kashi 3: Lt General Abhay Krishna Ans: 3 Solution: Lt General Abhay Krishna, who owns extensive service experience of the Northeast India, was on 31 July 2017 appointed as the Chief of the Indian Army's Eastern Command. Krishna succeeds Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi who has retired from service. The appointment of Krishna comes at a time when India is facing a stand- off with Chinese troops along the Sikkim sector. Krishna was currently serving as the Head of the Army's Jaipur-based Southwestern Command.

19. In July of 2017, the new bilateral Agreement on Trade, Commerce and Transit between India and Bhutan has come into force. When was this last renewed? 1: 2001 4: 2006 2: 2010 5: 2009 3: 2008 Ans: 4 Solution: The new agreement aims to strengthen the bilateral relations between India and Bhutan. The Agreement provides for a free trade regime between the territories of India and Bhutan. It also provides for a duty-free transit of Bhutanese merchandise for trade with third countries. The agreement was last renewed on 29 July 2006 for ten years. The validity of the same was extended (with effect from July 29, 2016) for one year or till the new agreement comes into force, through the exchange of diplomatic notes.

20. In August of 2017, Ustad Hussain Sayeeduddin Dagar has departed. Identify the principle rendition of this artist. 1: Palgad 4: Sriskha 2: Qilabat 5: Dhrupad 3: Rishta

Ans: 5 Solution: Dhrupad is a genre in Hindustani classical music. It is one of oldest forms of compositions in classical Indian music. Dhrupad is a Sanskrit name, derived from words dhruva (permanent) and pad (verse) and in combination it means “pillar”. This great is one of the foremost exponents and custodian of the venerable Dhrupad tradition of Hindustani classical music. He is a member of the illustrious Dagar family of musicians and was the youngest of the famous seven “Dagar Bandhus (Brothers)”, all exponents of the ancient, complex and elaborate Dhrupad tradition. He dedicated his life to keeping the Dhrupad tradition alive. He had performed at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals in India and abroad, including the Tansen Savai Gandharva, Samaroh, Dhrupad Samaroh, Dagar Saptak, Dhrupad Mela, Dhamar Samaroh etc. He also travelled abroad extensively and enthralled audiences with his Dhrupad performances. He was also President of Dhrupad Society Jaipur and Pune. He also had conducted workshops and interactive lecture demonstrations on Dhrupad in India and twice a year in Holland, Germany, France and Belgium.

21. In August of 2017, the Border Security Force (BSF) signed a MoU with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). What is the principle aim of this MoU? 1: Winter Soldier Programme of BSF 4: None of the given 2: Skill training to BSF 5: Skill training to retired and retiring BSF 3: Skill training to administration of BSF Ans: 5 Solution: The MoU will enable NSDC to provide skill training to retired and retiring BSF personnel, as well as to the population residing in the border areas. The collaboration between BSF and NSDC aims to train and provide gainful employment to retired BSF personnel and their families, school students, youth, differently abled for five years (April 2017 to April 2022). The programme will be appropriately named keeping in view the objectives and will have BSF co-branding with Skill India and NSDC. It will contribute to Skill Development Agenda of the country by ensuring the successful roll out of NSQF (National Skill Qualification Framework) based skill training to the retiring or retired BSF personnel and local population.

22. In August of 2017, the Indian Army has developed a mobile application named _____ exclusively for its force. 1: Fauj 4: Bharat Fauj 2: Jawan 5: Humraaz 3: JaiJawan

Ans: 5 Solution: The Humraaz will allow serving soldiers to track details like postings and promotions. Through the app “Humraaz”, soldiers can also view their monthly salary slips and the Form 16 and also download them. The mobile app has been developed in-house by the Army and will be launched in the second week of August 2017. The app will allow prompt communication of information to junior commissioned officers and other personnel. For security reasons, the installation of the application has been linked to verification of Aadhaar details.

23. In August of 2017, Pushpa Mitra Bhargava has departed. Identify the field of this luminary. 1: Tissue biology 4: Molecular biology 2: Physics 5: Astro-Physics 3: Chemistry Ans: 4 Solution: Bhargava was a veteran molecular biologist and an ardent critic of Genetically Modified crops. Bhargava was the Founder-Director of Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB). He was one of the leading scientists who led to the discovery of 5-fluorouracil, an anticancer drug. He founded the CCMB in 1977 as an institution for research in basic biology and for seeking its application for the benefit of society. He opposed the approval of Genetically Modified (GM) crops in India and called for a moratorium of at least 15 years on genetically modified crops in the country. Bhargava is a recipient of over 100 national and international honours and awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 1986 and the Legion d'Honneur in 1998 of France.

24. In August of 2017, person P has been appointed as the Secretary General of the FICCI with effect from 1 September 2017. Who is P? 1: Didar Singh 4: Sheshu Sambhavit 2: Amish Tripathi 5: Gunter Maula Azad 3: Sanjaya Baru Ans: 3 Solution: Sanjaya Baru succeeds Didar Singh, who served as Secretary General for 5 years. However, Didar Singh will continue to serve as a strategic advisor to Pankaj Patel, President of the FICCI. Baru had earlier served as the media advisor to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is an association of business organizations in India. Established in 1927, on the advice of Mahatma Gandhi by GD Birla and Purushottam

Das Thakurdas, it is the largest, oldest and the apex business organisation in India. It is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation. FICCI draws its membership from the corporate sector, both private and public, including SMEs and MNCs.

25. In August of 2017, Justice B N Srikrishna, a former judge of the Supreme Court of India will head a Committee of experts on: 1: University education 4: Telecom subsidies 2: Data protection framework 5: Division of state of West Bengal 3: GM crops Ans: 2 Solution: The government led ten-member committee will identify key data protection issues in India and recommend methods of addressing them. This is to create a data protection framework for the country. The government has sought the help of a legal think tank - the Vidhi Centre For Legal Policy - which was instrumental in drafting of the Aadhaar Act as well as the Bankruptcy Code. The Government of India is cognizant of the growing importance of data protection in India. The need to ensure growth of the digital economy while keeping personal data of citizens secure and protected is of utmost importance.

26. In August of 2017, the market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved the appointment of Dhirendra Swarup as the chairman of the board of directors of the: 1: BSE 4: RBI 2: NSE 5: None of the given 3: SBI Ans: 1 Solution: Dhirendra Swarup, former Chairman of Pension Funds Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), has over four decades of experience across finance, budgeting, public debt management, public policy and pension Reforms. Swarup was also chairman of the Cash and Debt Management Committee of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from 2000 to 2003.

27. In August of 2017, Air Marshal Hemant Narayan Bhagwat has been appointed as the Air Officer-in-Charge Administration (AOA) of Indian Air Force at Air Headquarters in: 1: New Delhi 4: Nellore 2: Dehradun 5: None of the given 3: Srinagar

Ans: 1 Solution: Air Marshal Bhagwat, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vayu Sena Medal (VM) awardee, was commissioned in Administrative branch of the Indian Air Force in June 1981. He has also served as Chief Instructor of Paratroopers’ Training School, Agra for five years and was leader of prestigious IAF Skydiving Team, Akashganga for several years. Besides para jumps in all parts of India, he also participated in several international para exercises including in USA, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Seychelles. He is senior most active parachute jump instructor of the IAF.

28. In August of 2017, Mohammad Mustafa has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the: 1: Canara Bank 4: SMSE 2: Exim Bank 5: MSME 3: SIDBI Ans: 3 Solution: It is Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for a period of three years. Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), set up on April 2, 1990 under an Act of Indian Parliament, acts as the Principal Financial Institution for the Promotion, Financing and Development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector and for Co-ordination of the functions of the institutions engaged in similar activities. The business domain of SIDBI consists of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which contribute significantly to the national economy in terms of production, employment and exports. MSME sector is an important pillar of Indian economy as it contributes greatly to the growth of Indian economy with a vast network of around 5.1 crore units, creating employment of about 11.7 crore, manufacturing more than 6,000 products, contributing about 45% to manufacturing output and about 40% of exports in terms of value, about 37% of GDP.

29. In August of 2017, IRCTC has announced that people can pay later for tickets booked under the tatkal quota. Comment on this statement. 1: False 4: Applicable for overseas travelers 2: True 5: Applicable for senior citizens 3: Cannot be determined to be definite Ans: 2

Solution: Yes, it is true. Till now, this service was available only for general reservations. For tatkal bookings people had to pay first via the standard online payment gateways before the IRCTC portal confirmed their ticket. For tatkal tickets, IRCTC users will be able to pay via cash, debit card or credit card by opting to have tickets delivered at their doorstep, said IRCTC payment provider Anduril Technologies. The new feature eliminates the transaction failures as often the money gets debited and the ticket is not issued due to multiple reasons. The refund cycle is of about seven to 15 days.

30. In August of 2017, Paris Saint-Germain has handed over $263 million to buy out a player's contract with Barcelona. This has become one of the most expensive purchases in the domain of soccer. Identify this player. 1: None of the given 4: Neymar 2: Messi 5: Kaka 3: Ronaldo Ans: 4 Solution: The move is the biggest shake-up to the soccer firmament since Cristiano Ronaldo moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009. The purchase of the popular, if not unanimous, pick for the third- best player in the world is a massive, and massively expensive. Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, commonly known as Neymar or Neymar Jr., is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for French club Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazil national team. ***